Minister of Trade and Industry Alpha Ibrahim Sesay
Sierra Leone’s government has announced a breakthrough in attracting private capital for industrial development, with up to US$700 million set aside for the expansion of the country’s manufacturing sector. Minister of Trade and Industry Alpha Ibrahim Sesay announced the Civic Day Series in Karene District.
Minister Sesay stated that the investment will support local production of goods such as beverages, tomato paste, iron rods, and flour, which currently account for a significant portion of Sierra Leone’s imports. “By next year, we will have companies producing beverages, tomato paste, iron rods, and many other products,” he said, describing the initiative as a strategic effort to shift consumption to domestic manufacturers and reduce reliance on imports.
The minister provided an immediate timeline, stating that by the end of this year, two new companies will begin producing flour, and another two firms will begin producing iron rods. Officials expect these early projects to relieve pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves by reducing the need for imported staples and construction materials. More broadly, the investment package is being marketed as a catalyst for Sierra Leone’s transformation into a regional production hub by the end of next year.
The Special Economic Zone in Koya, led by ARISE IIP, is a key component of the mobilised capital, with a commitment of US$350 million. That project is expected to create thousands of jobs for young Sierra Leoneans over the next 12 to 18 months, as well as serve as a hub for new manufacturing activity and private-sector expansion.
Recognising the need for skilled labour to sustain the sector’s expansion, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, pledged government support for the establishment of community colleges and skills training institutions. “These will prepare Sierra Leone’s workforce to meet the demands of the country’s expanding manufacturing sector,” she stated, emphasising the cross-ministerial approach to industrialisation.
Together, the investment commitments and training plans represent a concerted push for industrial growth, job creation, and increased economic resilience, allowing Sierra Leone to reduce reliance on imports while strengthening its domestic production capacity.
